Research Article: Development, feasibility testing and evaluation of a family-oriented mobile application to promote healthy lifestyle in infants and parents during early life: a mixed methods study
Abstract:
Early-life health behaviors are shaped within the family environment, influencing long-term metabolic and developmental outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) applications are widely available but most lack clinical integration, behavioral theory grounding, and personalized interactivity. This study describes the development and feasibility testing of the FamNucleus minimum viable product (MVP) and evaluates its usability and perceived quality among parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in supporting infant and parental health from a life-course behavioral perspective.
FamNucleus was co-developed by a multidisciplinary clinical team, guided by the UK Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions, informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior model and Behavior Change Wheel. In this mixed-methods study, 25 parents and 6 HCPs used the MVP for one month (December 2024-January 2025). User experience was assessed using the User Experience Questionnaire-Key Performance Indicator (UEQ-KPI), UEQ, and user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). HCPs additionally completed the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ). Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (I-CVI). Focus group discussions were thematically analyzed using NVivo to explore user perceptions and conditions for adoption.
UEQ-KPI perspicuity decreased significantly among parents and HCPs from prototype to MVP. On UEQ, parents rated attractiveness, perspicuity, and stimulation above average, while efficiency, dependability, and novelty were lower. HCPs reported higher UEQ scores overall, with excellent ratings for attractiveness, perspicuity, and novelty. On uMARS, overall app quality was rated positive by both groups. Clinical usability was rated positively by HCPs on MAUQ. Content validity was acceptable (parents: ?0.92 across domains except ambiguity at 0.80; HCPs: ?0.83). Qualitative findings indicated that FamNucleus was perceived as a family-oriented caregiving platform, with generally positive initial experiences, intuitive onboarding, and appealing app interface. Participants engaged with key features, including artificial intelligence-driven Chatbot, Diary, Trackers/Survey, Enrich modules, and Nudges. Mixed usability findings and challenges related to app clarity, navigation, and sustained engagement were reported.
FamNucleus demonstrated preliminary feasibility and acceptable usability as a family-centered mHealth app with perceived value in supporting early caregiving and complementing routine clinical care. Nevertheless, mixed usability findings indicate the need for further refinement prior to broader implementation.
Introduction:
Early-life health behaviors are shaped within the family environment, influencing long-term metabolic and developmental outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) applications are widely available but most lack clinical integration, behavioral theory grounding, and personalized interactivity. This study describes the development and feasibility testing of the FamNucleus minimum viable product (MVP) and evaluates its usability and perceived quality among parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in supporting infant and…
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